The ELN finally released the father of Liverpool's Colombian forward Luis Díaz. After several days of negotiations and disagreements with Gustavo Petro's government, Luis Manuel Díaz was left in the hands of a UN delegation and representatives of the Catholic Church who mediated the release.
¡Damos gracias a Dios por la liberación del Sr. Luis Díaz! 🙏🏽Con él ya se encuentran Mons. Francisco Ceballos, obispo de Riohacha y Mons. Héctor Henao, delegado para las relaciones Iglesia-Estado, quienes conformaron la comisión humanitaria encargada de facilitar su liberación. pic.twitter.com/KK6SOvcyca
— Conferencia Episcopal de Colombia (@episcopadocol) November 9, 2023
He was released near the place where he was kidnapped
The father of the international soccer player was handed over by the kidnappers in the Serranía de Perijá, in the department of La Guajira. He was kidnapped nearby while he was traveling with his wife on October 28. Díaz's mother was quickly rescued by law enforcement and the Army. They could not prevent the criminals from taking off with Luis Manuel Díaz.
Primeras imágenes de Luis Manuel Díaz en libertad después de doce días secuestrado por la guerrilla del ELN. El padre del jugador Luis Díaz fue entregado a una comisión humanitaria de la ONU y la Iglesia católica en inmediaciones de la Serranía de Perijá, cerca de la localidad de… pic.twitter.com/s7QaAe9A3T
— BluRadio Colombia (@BluRadioCo) November 9, 2023
After his release, Díaz was checked over by the mediators who ensured that he was in perfect health. According to Semana magazine, he was transported by helicopter to the Valledupar airport.
Petro's short message
After the release was confirmed, Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on his X account and said "Long live Freedom and Peace."
Viva la.Libertad y la Paz. https://t.co/a00aDpdyHh
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) November 9, 2023
